NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareEasy
A medical assistant is preparing to administer an oral medication to a patient. After verifying the 'rights' of medication administration, which of the following actions should the medical assistant take NEXT?
- AOpen the medication package at the bedside.
- BInstruct the patient about the medication.
- CAsk the patient about any known allergies.
- DDocument the medication administration.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Ask the patient about any known allergies.
Even though allergies should be checked earlier in the process, it's crucial to confirm them again with the patient immediately before administration, especially if it's a new medication or the first dose.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Opening the package at the bedside is part of the 'right medication' check, but allergy confirmation is a separate, vital step.
- B. Patient education is important but typically follows allergy confirmation and precedes or occurs during administration.
- D. Documentation occurs immediately after administration, not before.
Medication Administration Rights
A checklist of safety steps to ensure the correct and safe delivery of medication to a patient, typically including 5 to 7 'rights'.
- Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time.
- Additional rights include Right Documentation, Right Reason, Right Response.
- Allergy check is paramount before administration.
Memory trick: Allergies first, then you can nurse!